A much-loved restaurant in Spitalfields is set to close amid the ‘rising costs crisis’ affecting hospitality venues across London. Unity Diner will serve its final customers on February 1 after its owners decided they could not afford a proposed rent hike.
Known for its entirely vegan menu, the Wentworth Street spot will remain open throughout Veganuary to raise money for animal charity Surge Sanctuary. First launched by activist Ed Winters in 2018, the diner proved popular and relocated from its original smaller site in Hoxton to keep up with demand.
A statement posted to Instagram yesterday (December 30) warned it is just one of many venues that’s been fighting to stay alive. It read: “Sadly, we’ve not been spared from the economic situation affecting the hospitality sector here in the UK, and with soaring costs since Covid and our landlords now wanting to increase the rent, the time has sadly come for us to call it a day.
“Restaurant closures are running at their highest level in more than a decade. A total of 1,409 shut their doors in the year ending September 2024, up from 1,180 in the 12 months before.
“The situation for hospitality in the UK at the moment is beyond anything we could have expected. We’re proud to have battled through it for so long.”
It went on the thank the ‘incredibly supportive’ vegan community and ‘loyal team’ before encouraging everyone to enjoy one last tofish and chips. News of Unity Diner’s closure has left many of its 40k Instagram followers heartbroken, with many saying it has become a go-to place for them.
One disappointed customer commented: “This is so sad to hear. I know from personal experience running a coffee shop that times are hard and we should all remember to support our local independents.”
Another wrote: “We loved your spot when we visited London. Going again this summer and sad we won’t be able to dine with you”, with a third adding: “This has been one of my favourite restaurants for years and it’s brought me and my friends/family SO much happiness. Super sad to see you go!”
Michelin-starred chef Alexis Gauthier also offered to help the owners stay open, calling the decision to shut ‘so, so sad’. An increase in the cost of ingredients and utilities in recent years has defeated multiple of London’s restaurants, cafes and bars in 2024.
Tottenham brewery ORA pulled its last pint in November after facing ‘mounting pressure’, whilst seafood experts Shell Co docked their critically-acclaimed floating restaurants concept due to issues arising from the cost of living crisis.
Steakhouse Temper also closed its Shoreditch, Paddington and White City branches a month ago after operating company Casper & Cole went into administration.
You can visit Unity Diner at 60 Wentworth Street when it reopens on January 7 until its final day on February 1.
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